The word calligraphy literally means beautiful writing. Before the invention of the printing press some 500 years ago, it was the way books were made, each copy being written out by hand by a scribe in a scriptorium on materials like vellum or parchment with a quill in one of the period bookhands like rustic, carolingian, blackletter, etc.

Many believe the allure and relevance of writing letterforms by hand has something to do with craftsmanship and their expression potential (drawing, writing and painting). Through the fluid line, the expressive brush- stroke, the graphic possibilities inherent in different alphabet structures and inventions, the artist has a huge but related vocabulary in which to draw from, yet mutable enough to offer creative freedom.

Spontaneously, one can connect heart, head and hand with a rich tradition while also exploring individuality.